Since food and groceries have been one of the biggest challenges, and one of the best places to save money in our new budget, I thought you might enjoy some grocery shopping tips.

As you know, not only is it important to eat cheaply, it’s important to find ways of eating healthy on a budget.

The best trick? To plan ahead and use every tool at your disposal. It all adds up, especially over time.

Having a plan and sticking to it can help you get more food at less cost and allow you to prepare better, more healthy meals.

In fact, a little planning time pays quite well and it's not that hard to do. After I did it a few times, I was hooked and started looking forward to it. 

Here are some tips to help you save money while grocery shopping.

1. Set aside time to make your food plan. Find the sales ads for each of the grocery stores in your area and decide on your meals for the coming week if you have a selection of grocery stores in your town within close driving distance. We only have one in our town, I find that we get plenty of savings from shopping the sales flyer for it. Be watchful if you use more than one flyer that you are saving money and not ending up buying more groceries. If so, pick the best one or alternate according to the best savings each week. I was really surprised at how much we saved immediately by planning our grocery shopping around the flyers.

2. Make a list. After you’ve planned your meals, write down everything you need for each meal. Check your pantry, freezer, and refrigerator to see if you already have some of the items. Be sure to plan meals around food you already have, you can save a bundle and cut down on waste.

Make your grocery list and stick with it! This is really important, it doesn't take long for even a few minor purchases to really add up. Remember your ingredients for preparation, such as butter, flour, sugar, and spices. Replenish cleaning supplies.

3. Clip coupons for items you know you’ll use. Leave the remainder of the coupons at home so you’re not tempted to “save” money on items you don’t need. Have a coupon keeper in your purse and put the coupons that you do want immediately into your purse so that you don't arrive at the grocery store empty handed. Been there, done that!

4. Never go grocery shopping on an empty stomach because you’re more likely to buy items that look good rather than those on your list. If you can’t go to the store right after a meal, take along a light snack to help you resist temptation while in the store. Or have a drink of lemon water on the way, just don't over do or you will end up just grabbing anything because you'll have to go to the bathroom.

5. Buy items on the perimeter of the store first because these items are the healthiest choices. I always start with the fruit and veggie section and work my way through the aisles according to my lis t. Depending on how your store is set up, you can avoid the junk food and pop section entirely.

6. Look for fruits and vegetables that are in season as these will often be cheaper than non-seasonal choices. Choose large bags rather than individual pieces of fruit. The larger bags are often cheaper by the pound. Always remember that dollar for dollar, nutrition is always the better deal.

7. Buy store or generic brands. There usually isn’t much difference in the way the foods taste but you can definitely see a difference in the price.

8. Don't bring the kids if possible. I always say each one is worth another $20 on the grocery bill. If not possible, outline exactly what you are buying and the rules before you go. Try to make it a joint decision were possible. I get the kids one treat per grocery shopping. It does increase the budget a bit but they go along with the rest much easier which will increase the odds of our success in the long run.

HOW ABOUT YOU?

If you want to give it a better shot and really see a difference and even have some fun with it, get on my list to be notified when I have my Making Change – Queen of KAOS Simple Home Budget Plan ready for you – I'm offering it at no charge.

Meantime you will get a free ecourse of 5 lessons to give you some ideas to get you started.

You can hop on free here…

Making Change Simple Home Budget System – Get your money for nothing.